Page 27 of Taken By Sin

Whether he's noticed my change in attitude, I don't know, but his being so harsh to Bria has made my anger awaken. "Oh!" I sing in delight. "What a beautiful trip. I would adore seeing theruinsof Pompeii."

“You’re welcome to join me,” he adds before quickly returning to Zeik. “Back to business.”

Zeik pulls out a slip of paper from his shorts and unfolds it. “Delgasso's account has been cleared, but Saxon is late.”

“Late?” Sin asks, his voice dangerously treading on anger. “Wasn’t he late last month?”

Zeik quickly nods, sinking into his seat a little.

Sin closes his eyes, placing his palms on the table, toweringover everything. “What does the Donati name mean? What does it command?”

“Respect.” Zeik nods.

“Does it command a layaway system?”

“No, it does not. His business was shut dow?—”

Sin laughs, dark and low. “Does that sound like my fucking problem?”

Zeik whispers, “I’ll have it handled.”

Rollins places his napkin on the table. “Want me to take care of it?”

Sin shakes his head, “Since Zeik has such a heart for the man, let him.”

“What is it that has been cleared... Delgasso?” I ask.

Zeik doesn't hesitate now. "Sin loans money to people; not a small sum, always large amounts. Millions." He smiles. "We expect a return on investment. If the accounts are cleared in the timeframe we discussed, then all is well, but if not..." he trails off.

“They’re done.” Sin finishes, slicing a pointed finger across his neck.

I tilt my head, looking Sin over. With the quietest, calmest voice I can muster I say, “So youruinthem?”

“Dinner is over,” Sin sneers.

Zeik groans, “What about dessert?”

“Go. Everyone. Now.”

I scoot back, but Sin's hands curl over the back of my chair, holding me in place. “Not you.”

Once everyone leaves, I cross my arms against my chest in defiance. “What is your fucking problem?!” heshouts. Axle jumps up, sitting at attention by my side, his angry gaze directed at Sin. “For fucks sake Axle, you’re my dog!” he mutters.

“You’re my problem, Sin.” I stand, fix my dress, and head for the door. Before exiting, I turn my head towards him. “Are you ready to have a real conversation?”

FIFTEEN

“Come on,” Sin murmurs softly, guiding me upstairs to his bedroom. I stare in awe at the architecture. It’s modern, different from the rest of the house which has now grown eerily silent since his demand for everyone to leave.

Two amber lamps gently illuminate the space, filling the room with a warm, soft glow. The dark oak floor feels silky beneath my bare feet as I take in my surroundings. The furniture is minimal, featuring just two matte black nightstands that sit beside a California King bed elevated on a platform.

The walls are adorned with art, predominantly showcasing shades of gray and white blended together. My bedroom has a beautiful view of the gardens, while his overlooks the city. Although not in a skyscraper, it provides a glimpse of the sparkling lights along the streets, with shops and people bustling below.

I focus all of my attention on this to ignore the fact that I’m standing in Sin’s bedroom, awfully close to hisbed.

He slips off his suit jacket and tosses it onto the mattress, loosening his dress shirt as he does. I stare, wondering if he’s interested in conversation or something a bit more daring. With a grin that seems to understand my wandering thoughts, he opens the French doors and steps out into the warm patio air.

A fire pit crackles with flames, accompanied by two glasses of champagne and a dozen chocolate-covered strawberries on a rectangular plate.

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